UK warns divers not to touch or pursue protected seahorses
UK marine authorities have issued a warning to divers and film crews regarding the disturbance of protected seahorse species. Unauthorized interaction with these vulnerable animals can lead to legal enforcement under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between human recreational activities and the preservation of fragile marine ecosystems.
UK marine authorities have issued a strong legal warning to divers, swimmers and film crews after a rise in incidents disturbing Britain's protected seahorses.The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) warned that anyone who deliberately searches for, photographs or films native seahorses without a specialist wildlife licence could face enforcement action under conservation laws.Both seahorse species found in British waters, the spiny or long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) and the short-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus) are protected under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
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